Major shrines and temples in Tokyo are very relaxed about etiquettes. You can pop into one without any preparations.
But here are some tips and info that might make you more comfortable and your visit more interesting.
*This is by an average Japanese who is not particularly educated in religion. If you need proper, serious information, this might not be for you.
1. Shrine vs Temple
What is the difference between shrine and temple?
Shrine is Shinto and temple is Buddhist. They’re different religions but happily coexist in Japan. For most Japanese, it doesn’t really matter. Average Japanese might have a wedding at a shrine but funeral at a temple.
Shrines usually have torii gates and are of wood architecture. You might see fox statues.
Temples have Buddha statue and graves.
2. Dress Code
If you’re worried about shrine/temple-appropriate clothing, nothing to worry about. There’s no strict dress code, especially at famous shrines and temples in Tokyo where tourists visit.
3. Taking Pictures
In most cases, it’s completely fine to take pictures within the premises if outside the buildings. Most temples and shrines don’t like you taking pictures inside the buildings. When in doubt, follow what everyone else is doing.
4. Temple Etiquette -How to Visit and Pray
Again, this is by an average Japanese who is not educated in religion. There are a lot more to temple/shrine etiquettes, but here are the very basics.
1. If there’s water fountain, this is for cleansing yourself. Just hands and mouth. Use the ladle. Pour water on your left hand, then your right hand. Pour water into your left hand and use it to rinse your mouth (skip if uncomfortable). Do not put your mouth directly on the ladle. Hold the ladle vertically so remaining water will trickle down and cleanse the handle.
2. You might see a large pot burning incense. This smoke is said to cleanse your soul. People also cover body parts they want to improve or heal with this smoke. Just use your hands and get some smoke to whereever you want to improve. Many people cover their head hoping to get smarter.
3. Walk up to the temple and toss a coin (or a bill) into the box. 5 yen or more is good. 5 yen coin is popular. “5 yen” in Japanese is pronounced the same as “good encounter,” and is considered to bring good fate, chance, luck, relationships, etc.
4. If there’s a bell above the box, ring it a couple of times by shaking the rope.
5. Quietly put your palms together and pray. And then bow. (This is the major difference between temple and shrine etiquette)
4. Shrine Etiquette -How to Visit and Pray
1. If there’s a torii gate, do not walk through the middle. Keep near the side as the center is reserved for gods. Lightly bow before going through the gate. Keep to the side when walking. (Many Japanese don’t know this one, so don’t stress about it.)
2. If there’s water fountain, this is for cleansing yourself. Just hands and mouth. Use the ladle. Pour water on your left hand, then your right hand. Pour water into your left hand and use it to rinse your mouth (skip if uncomfortable). Do not put your mouth directly on the ladle. Hold the ladle vertically so remaining water will trickle down and cleanse the handle.
3. Walk up to the shrine and toss a coin (or a bill) into the box. 5 yen or more is good. 5 yen coin is popular. “5 yen” in Japanese is pronounced the same as “good encounter,” and is considered to bring good fate, chance, luck, relationships, etc.
4. If there’s a bell, ring it a couple of times by shaking the rope.
5. Bow twice, clap your hands twice, then bow once and pray.
That’s it!
